To commemorate February in meaningful ways, here are some options to celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia.
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia
Hyatt is celebrating the month with its 2nd Annual Black History Month Showcase, which will be on site until mid-March. The exhibit opened with a “Meet the Makers” reception in January, and it will also feature a “Hear the Makers” discussion panel slated for Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. (free and open to the public.)
The hotel’s showcase is designed to “highlight a mix of the city’s talented Black artists.” Curated by Ginger Rudolph, locals will see work from Shawn Theodore, Jordan Plain, Yannick Lowery, Emilio Maldonado and Shakira Hunt.
“This show is unique because it isn’t about chasing trends or spotlighting the so-called ‘Next Big Thing.’ It’s about championing artists who dare to think critically, challenge norms and take risks,” said Rudolph in a statement. “These are voices that create impact and shape their communities in the process, celebrating depth, thoughtfulness, authenticity, and prioritizing transformative power over market appeal.”
1620 Chancellor St., hyatt.com
Colonial Theatre
To commemorate Black History Month in Philadelphia, the Colonial Theatre will host a Black Artisan Film Series from now until Feb. 23. Tickets starts at $12 to see the films (which span “The Black Panther”, “Dreamgirls”, “Cooley High”, “A Man Called Adam”, and “To Sir, With Love”), and a full schedule can be found online.
227 Bridge St, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
To commemorate Black History Month in Philadelphia, the Weitzman will host the regional premiere of “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round”, an acclaimed documentary by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Ilana Trachtman. Taking place Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m., the screening will then be followed by a Q&A and live talkback with Tachtman.
As a release notes, the film recounts “a watershed moment in American history”: The first time Black civil rights activists were joined by an organized white community – predominantly Jewish – to protest segregation. Together, they protested segregation at Washington, D.C.’s Glen Echo Amusement Park in 1960, challenging racism in a historic demonstration that drew national attention and paved the way for future collaborations in the fight for equality.
Tickets ($15-$20) can be found online.
101 S Independence Mall E, aintnoback.com
Bristol Riverside Theatre
On Feb. 21, Bristol Riverside will host a Black Theatre Night to “champion Black theatre-makers and the vibrant Black community of Bucks County and beyond.” The show that evening, ‘Fires in the Mirror’ comes from director Amy Kaissar, and features esteemed Africology and African-American Studies scholar, Phyllis Johnson.
The description for the show reads: In the summer of 1991, Crown Heights, NY, exploded into three days of violence fed by rumors and competing narratives formed from incomplete facts. This play features the real words of more than 50 people interviewed immediately after the events.
The event will also feature light refreshments at a pre-show social mixer (7 p.m.), and an optional post-show conversation with Kaissar. The curtain rises at 8 p.m., and tickets ($15-$62) are available online.
120 Radcliffe St, Bristol, brtstage.org
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The PMA is celebrating Black History Month in Philadelphia this Friday, Feb. 7. From 5 to 8:30 p.m., the venue will be filled with pop-ups and activities commemorating the occasion. Visitors who arrive early can collect a free limited-edition item featuring artwork by Black History Month artist collaborator Yannick Lowery (while supplies last), plus, the event will feature food from Darnel’s Cake, music from DJ Killsing, a pop-up studio with Lowery, a special Ghanian inspired dinner at Stir and more.
Admission is pay-what-you-wish, and more information can be found online.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, philamuseum.org
Museum of the American Revolution
Throughout the month of February, the Museum of the American Revolution will celebrate the occasion with a few different events and activations. Locals can catch a First-Person Theatrical Performance to meet Elizabeth Freeman performed by actress Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi (Feb. 16, at 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.) and other historical figures, take part in Gallery Highlight Tours (Saturdays and Sundays at noon), head to the Discovery Center for arts and crafts on the weekend and more.
A full schedule of MoAR events for Black History Month can be found online.
101 S 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
